<div>October is celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month across the globe, every year. This is an annual campaign to help spread awareness about the disease. The Aga Khan University Hospital has been honouring Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October by conducting various activities to increase awareness on the importance of early detection through screening as this can lead to a cure and save a women’s life. One in nine women in Pakistan are diagnosed with breast cancer but many do not find out about their disease until the later stages, when sometimes it is too late. </div><div>
</div><div>The Breast Cancer Awareness Session held on 19 October 2016 at The Aga Khan University Auditorium aimed to educate women and men about the importance of annual screening. All women over the age of 40 years without any risk factors should get themselves checked by a doctor for a clinical breast examination and a mammogram every year. The session included presentations on different important topics regarding breast cancer, all of which were presented by our esteemed faculty from The Aga Khan University Hospital. Dr. Sana Zeeshan and Dr. Saira Naz began with an overview of breast cancer followed by the screening methods and diagnostic tools of breast cancer. </div><div>
</div><div>The set of presentations focused on the treatment options that are available for breast cancer. Dr. Shaista Khan, Professor, Surgery elaborated on the surgical options for removing a breast tumour, and Dr. Adnan Jabbar, Assistant Professor and Section Head, Medical Oncology spoke on the role of chemotherapy and radiation in eradicating cancerous cells. The Role of Nursing in Breast Cancer and was presented by Farzana Aftab, Head Nurse for the Gastrointestinal and Surgery Service Line. The presentation session was concluded with two very brave breast cancer survivors who spoke openly about their experience; first, Mrs. Tazeen Mehkaria gave the powerful message about how the support from the family and friends were key to keeping herself positive during this difficult time; then Mrs. Salimah Taufiq, shared her story stressing how women should not take regular screening lightly but make the effort to get it done every year, especially after the age of 40 years. The session was attended by over 300 people, who listened attentively, evident by the numerous questions they had for our panel at the end.</div><div>
</div><div>The Aga Khan University Hospital is currently offering women a 34% discount on a Breast Screening Package that includes a mammogram, ultrasound as well as a consult with one of our highly trained Family Medicine Consultants. The discount package is available for booking any day from 20 October to 31 October 2016, where by the appointment can be made any time between now and the end of the year. </div><div>
</div><div>On Friday 28 October, at 5 pm, The Aga Khan University Hospital is inviting the general public to come and join forces with it’s faculty, staff and volunteers to close the Breast Cancer Awareness month with a walk around our track at the Sports Center. Don’t miss out on this effort to increase awareness for Breast Cancer and save many more women’s lives in Pakistan.</div><p></p>
